What is LGBTQ+ counseling?
LGBTQIA+ counseling is a type of queer affirmative counseling dedicated to assisting individuals and couples in navigating the intricate intersections of their sexual orientation, gender identity, and mental health, with a primary goal of fostering well-being, self-acceptance, and affirming a client’s life experiences as a queer individual. Although not all LGBTQ+ individuals seek specialized counseling, a substantial number discover vital support and empathy within these inclusive and affirming therapeutic settings.
How does LGBTQ+ counseling work?
Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Asheville, NC typically begins with an initial assessment to understand your specific needs. LGBTQ+ counselors aim to create a safe, inclusive, and affirming environment for anyone within the LGBTQ+ community by encouraging self-acceptance and offering an understanding of your identity and experiences. LGBTQ+ therapy addresses issues like coming out, discrimination, mental health challenges, and gender transition, and provides support for LGBTQ+ relationships.
Why is LGBTQ+ counseling important?
LGBTQ+ counseling is incredibly important because it can help queer individuals accept their identity, learn self-love, and give them important tools for facing the challenges of being a queer person in today’s society, among many other benefits. LGBTQ+-affirming therapists can understand the unique perspective and experiences of queer individuals as they help them process past trauma, address family conflicts, treat issues with anxiety, and more.
Is LGBTQ+ counseling conducted in person or online?
Thriveworks LGBTQ+ counseling in Asheville, NC is conducted both in person and online by video. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.
How long does LGBTQ+ counseling last?
The number of sessions for LGBTQ+ counseling depends on the specific needs and goals of the individual. It could encompass a relatively limited series of sessions or extend into a longer counseling plan. The precise quantity and duration of sessions typically emerge through collaborative discussion with the counselor, taking into account the client’s progress and their therapeutic objectives.
Need more help deciding?
LGBTQ Counseling in Asheville, NC—LGBTQ Counselors, Therapists
One of the most important foundations of mental health is self-awareness and self-acceptance. All people deserve love and support, but LGBTQ individuals often face barriers to their well-being simply because of who they are. Thriveworks Asheville Counseling offers LGBTQ capable counseling because we want everyone to experience self-acceptance and good mental health. Reach out today to schedule your first appointment.
How Can LGBTQ Capable Counseling Make a Difference?
Many people in the mental health care community and within the LGBTQ community are working to change the dual stigma. Therapists are becoming more and more educated upon the needs that their LGBTQ clients have and the best way to help them find the healing and care they deserve. If you are considering working with a therapist, here are a few tips for finding a LGBTQ capable mental health professional:
- When scheduling your session, ask whether the counselor has experience working with LGBTQ clients, and feel free to ask for examples.
- Always following your gut. If your intuition does not feel safe, do not proceed. Try a different therapist. If you are satisfied with the answers, move forward with the relationship.
- As you feel comfortable with your therapist, let them know that LGBTQ capable therapy is important to you.
- When you are ready, disclose information about your gender and sexuality.
- When you are ready, disclose past trauma, current abuse, and/or mental health challenges you are facing.
- Healing is the primary agenda for therapy, and there is no list that could contain the topics that may be address there. Just a few examples of topics LGBTQ clients may raise include…
- Safety concerns
- Gender and sexual identity
- Healthy communication
- Dealing with discrimination and non-acceptance
- Dating and other relationships
- How and when to come out
- Family concerns
- Addiction
- Transcending gender roles
- Eating disorders
- Depression
- Self-esteem issues
- Anxiety and stress
- Past trauma and abuse
In order for healing to take place, trust must be built between clients and therapists. As clients feel safe, they often share about their traumas and triumphs, weaknesses and strengths, successes and failures. Therapy is often about healing past wounds, but healing also has a future aspect. Clients and therapists look back, but they also look forward, working toward building the client a life where they feel loved and experience the acceptance they deserve.
Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks Asheville for LGBTQ Capable Therapy
Think about what is going on in your life. If you are thinking about working with a mental health professional, consider reaching out to Thriveworks Asheville. If counseling is your next step, we are ready to walk with you.
We offer LGBTQ capable therapy, and we have appointments available. Your first appointment may be within the week of your first call. We offer evening and weekend sessions, and we also work with many different insurance companies and accept many different forms of insurance. Call Thriveworks Asheville today.
